Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of the Asia Cup 2022 due to an injury and in his place, the PCB selected Mohammad Hasnain in the team. Hasnain has played a total of 19 T20 International matches. The tournament will begin on August 27.
Mohammed Hasnain to replace Shaheen Afridi in Asia Cup. Image- Daily Pakistan
Pakistani fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of the Asia Cup due to a leg injury. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has included Mohammad Hasnain in the Pakistani squad as his replacement. The PCB gave this information on Monday. Shaheen was injured during the first Test against Sri Lanka in July. The PCB's medical team said on Saturday that he needs to rest for four to six weeks.
The 22-year-old Hasnain has taken 17 wickets while playing for Pakistan in 19 T20 Internationals. He is currently part of the Oval Invincible team at 'The Hundred' and will return from the UK to join the team. However, The tournament is to be played from August 27 to September 11 in the United Arab Emirates. Pakistan will begin their campaign against their rival India on August 28.
Pakistan Squad for Asia Cup 2022:
Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir
PSL Players' Terror in Pakistan: Daryl Mitchell Vows Never to Return, Curran Breaks Down after reaching Dubai
New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell promised he will never go back to return after reaching Dubai from Pakistan. Sam Billings, Daryl Mitchell, Kushal Perera, David Wiese, and Tom Curran were all with him on the flight.
In a dramatic turn of events, overseas players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) faced harrowing experiences due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to the indefinite postponement of the tournament.
The crisis, sparked by India’s strategic response to a terror attack in Palalgam on May 7, 2025, which claimed 26 civilian lives, left players like New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell vowing never to return to Pakistan and England’s Tom Curran in tears after a close call at the airport.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially planned to relocate the remaining PSL matches to the UAE after tensions escalated. However, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) rejected the proposal, leaving the PCB with no choice but to cancel the tournament.
Overseas players were swiftly evacuated to Dubai via charter flights, from where they caught connecting flights to their home countries. Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, part of the Lahore Qalandars squad, recounted the terrifying ordeal, revealing that the airport they departed from was struck by a missile just 20 minutes after their plane took off.
“After landing in Dubai, we heard that a missile struck the airport 20 minutes after we left. The news was scary and sorrowful, but we felt relieved to be safe in Dubai,” Rishad told Cricbuzz.
Rishad shared the palpable fear among foreign players, including Sam Billings, Daryl Mitchell, Kushal Perera, David Wiese, and Tom Curran.
“Landing in Dubai, Mitchell told me he would never go to Pakistan again, especially in this kind of scenario. They were all horrified,” Rishad said.
Recounting Tom Curran’s emotional breakdown, Rishad added, “Tom went to the airport, but heard it was closed. He started crying like a little child, and it took two or three people to console him.”
Rishad also spoke about the anxiety his family felt during the crisis. “Whenever I play, my family worries about the situation. When they heard about the bomb blasts and missile strikes in Pakistan, they were naturally tense. I tried to console them and assure them I was safe,” he said.
PCB’s Failed Attempt to Salvage the Tournament
According to Rishad, the PCB chairman attempted to convince players to continue the tournament in Karachi, downplaying the severity of the situation.
“The chairman tried to hide that there were two drone attacks the day before, which we later learned about. Almost all foreign players agreed that Dubai was the only safe option,” Rishad revealed.
The PCB eventually facilitated the players’ safe evacuation to Dubai, a move Rishad credited to the board’s efforts. “Thanks to the PCB chairman and the Pakistan Cricket Board, we reached Dubai safely by the grace of Almighty Allah,” he said.
RCB star batter Virat Kohli has passed Chris Gayle with the second most fifty plus scores in T20s. Let's take a look at the batters who have scored the most fifty plus scores in T20s.
RCB star batter Virat Kohli has passed Chris Gayle with the second most fifty plus scores in T20s. Kohli achieved this milestone during the IPL 2025 match against Rajasthan Royals at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. He came into the game tallying 110-fifties and struck another beautiful half-century with the bat-off just 32 balls, enabling his side to a grand start. Now at 111 fifty-plus scores, Kohli trails only David Warner, who scores a total of 117.
Let's take a look at the batters who have scored the most fifty plus scores in T20s.
Babar Azam is known as a model of consistency in T20 cricket. The brilliant right-hander has scored over 11,000 runs in his T20 career, including 91 fifties and 11 centuries, and has scored fifty plus runs a total of 102 times.
This remarkable record puts him fourth in the all-time list of most fifty plus scores in T20s, which shows his dominance and reliability in the shortest format for Pakistan in international cricket and other franchises around the world.
3. Chris Gayle | 110
The Universe Boss, Chris Gayle, is one of the prominent names to have scored the most 50+ scores in the shortest format of cricket. Arguably the first global superstar of this format, Gayle's explosive batting has made a splash in many T20 games over the years.
With a record 22 T20 centuries and 88 fifties, his record of scoring 110 fifty plus scores ranks third in T20 cricket history.
2. Virat Kohli | 111
Virat Kohli, the reigning king of the cricket world, is now second in terms of all-time T20 fifty-plus scores after another brilliant half-century in the IPL 2025 match against Rajasthan Royals. With 111 fifty plus scores, Kohli continues to be the epitome of consistency.
From taking Team India to the T20 World Cup for years to being the heartbeat of RCB, Kohli has always performed well. Now that he is in the twilight of his career, the world is eagerly waiting to see what magic is still left in Kohli.
David Warner tops the list of fifty plus scores in T20 cricket. He has 117 fifty plus scores in T20 cricket. Warner also scored most half centuries in T20 cricket, smashing 109 fifties. The explosive left-hander from Australia has been the epitome of consistency right from his early T20 days.
Warner is always hungry for runs, whether representing Australia or leading Sunrisers Hyderabad. He’s still going strong across various leagues, and we can expect him to add even more to this record.
Virat Kohli joins David Warner to become second player to complete century of half-centuries in T20s. Let's take a look at the batters with most gifties in T20 cricket.
Indian team's star batsman Virat Kohli scored a brilliant half-century in the match against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday. The former captain, who is in great form, became the first Indian to score 100 half-centuries in T20 cricket.
The Indian stalwart entered the exclusive club, which solely featured David Warner as its sole member. The former Australia star boasts a staggering 108 half-centuries in the T20 format.
Let's take a look at the batters with most gifties in T20 cricket.
Most Fifties in T20 Cricket
5. Jos Buttler | 86
The England batter Jos Buttler has a fantastic record in the shortest format and has featured in franchise cricket all around the world. Buttler is a part of the Gujarat Titans side in the ongoing IPL season. He has so far played 440 matches in T20 cricket, scoring a total of 12,331 runs with 8 hundreds and the highest individual score of 124.
4. Chris Gayle | 88
The explosive West Indies batter Chris Gayle has played franchise cricket all around the world and has also featured a lot for the national side in the shortest format. Gayle has played 463 matches in T20 cricket, scoring a total of 14,562 runs with 22 centuries and the highest individual score 175*.
3. Babar Azam | 90
The Pakistan batter has not only played a lot of T20 cricket for the national side, but has also featured a lot in franchise cricket. Babar has so far played 311 matches in the format, scoring a total of 11,042 runs with 11 hundreds and the highest individual score of 122.
2. Virat Kohli | 100*
The India star batter Virat Kohli scored his 100th half-century in T20 cricket during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's clash against the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025. Kohli has so far played 405 matches in the format, scoring a total of 13,134 runs with 9 centuries and the highest individual score of 122*.
The former Australia batter David Warner has played a total of 400 matches in T20 cricket, scoring a massive 12,925 runs. Along with a humongous number of half-centuries, Warner also has 8 centuries under his name in the format with the highest individual score of 135*.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2024-25 Match Report: Centuries from Latham and Young power NZ to easy win, helped by a slow Babar Azam
Babar Azam played a slow 90-ball 64-run inning as Pakistan fell short of the target by 60 runs. Tom Latham and Will Young scored centuries for New Zealand in the first inning.
Centuries from Tom Latham and Will Young helped New Zealand get an easy 60-run win over Pakistan in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. New Zealand posted 320 in the first inning while Pakistan were bundled out for 260 during the chase. Here are the highlights of the Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2025 match.
Pakistan won the toss, and Rauf made a return to the team
Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and decided to bowl first, citing the dew factor. Haris Rauf was back in the team after sustaining an injury in the tri-series. for New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra was not fit enough to feature in this match. Will Young replaced him in the playing 11 while Nathan Smith was given a chance to hit the hard lengths with the ball.
Fakhar got injured early
Pakistan suffered an early setback as Fakhar Zaman got injured while chasing a cover drive from Will Young. Kamran Ghulam replaced him right away.
Pakistan struck with quick three wickets
Naseem Shah dismissed Kane Williamson for 1. Image | Associated Press
Just when everything was going well for New Zealand, Abrar Ahmed gave Pakistan the breakthrough they were looking for. Abrar got rid of Devon Conway with a ripper in his second over. The ball pitched on middle and leg stump and opened up Conway to get the ott stump.
In the next over in a rare failure, Kane Williamson departed for one. This time it was Naseem Shah, who opened up Williamson with a brilliant delivery that came in and left enough to kiss the outside edge of the former Kiwi captain.
Haris Rauf then hit the hard length to induce a pull shot from Daryl Mitchell who went after adding 10 off 24 and New Zealand looked in trouble at 73/3 after 16.2 overs.
Young hit his first away international ton. Image | Associated Press
But, Will Young made sure he grabbed this opportunity to score big alongside Tom Latham to bail out New Zealand. Young scored his first ton in Pakistan in 107 balls, which also was his first away international hundred. In the next over, Tom Latham also reached his fifty from 61 balls, to set up a platform to hit the fifth gear.
But, as Young looked to shift up the gears, he was caught in the deep square leg by substitute fielder Ashraf off Naseem Shah on 107. At 191/4 in 38 overs, it was perfect timing for someone like Glenn Philips to come in for New Zealand.
Latham hit his first ODI ton since Nov. 2022
Tom Latham scored his 8th ODI ton. Image | ICC
Latham started changing the tempo as well as he hit 14 off the last four balls from Abrar to spoil his spell. Abrar finished with 47/1 in his 10 overs. He southpaw batter then hit his first ODI ton since November 2022. He reached the landmark in 95 balls to become the fifth Kiwi batter to hit a ton in the Champions Trophy.
Philips gave NZ the push they were looking for. Image | AFP/Getty Images
Pakistan were forced to have only four fielders outside the ring in the last overs, as opposed to the normal five after being penalised for the slow over rate. Glenn Philips and Latham took advantage of that to reach 320 in the first inning. Latham remained unbeaten on 118 from 104 while Philips was dismissed in the third last ball of the inning after a devastating 61 off 39 balls.
New Zealand scored 113 from the last ten overs to challenge Pakistan with a total which looked impossible at first.
Horrible start for Pakistan with the bat
Pakistan started horribly after losing two early wickets. Will O’Rourke showed patience to dismiss Saud Shakeel on 6 from 19 in the fourth over. Glenn Philips then pulled off a stunner at backward point to get Pakistan’s second after a fighting 3 from 14 from captain Mohammad Rizwan.
Fakhar Zaman, who could not bat at his favourite opening position due to staying off-field, tried his best with pain and suffering. Zaman fought hard to score 24 but off 41 balls.
Babar Azan completed his fifty in 81 balls. Image | ICC/Getty Images
Though Babar took his time from the start, Salman Agha assessed the situation well to hit some boundaries to increase the run rate. Meantime, Babar completed his fifty in 81 balls while Agha got dismissed with a short ba by Nathan Smith after playing a brisk 42 off 28 balls.
Santner removed Babar Azam. Image | ICC
Tayyab Tahir (1) came in and was deceived by Mitchell Santner soon. With the asking rate creeping up, Khushdil Shah started smacking the Kiwi spinners and taking the game to them.
Babar tried to do the same but only managed to get a top edge against Santner while trying a sweep after a slow 90-ball 64.
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐳𝐚𝐦'𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠? 🤔
Babar Azam scored a 90-ball 64 in a game where Pakistan are chasing 321.
Khushdil Shah scored 69 from 49 balls. Image | ICC
Khushdil completed his fifty in 38 balls but kept losing partners from the other end. After he was dismissed in the 44th over after a fighting 69 from 49 balls, Pakistan were nearly out of the game.
Pakistani tail tried to swing their bats but was finally all-out for 260 and lost the game by 60 runs. With this win, New Zealand achieved a +1.200 NRR, which can be very essential in a tournament like this.
Santner and O’Rourke returned with three wickets for New Zealand.
Tom Latham was adjudged player of the match for his century.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2024-25 Match Preview, Head-to-head stats, Possible Lineups and Fantasy team prediction
The hosts of the ICC Champions Trophy and the defending Champions Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the tournament's opening match in Karachi on Wednesday.
Pakistan will be hosting an ICC event for the first time since 1996 and they will face a strong New Zealand in the opening game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. From head-to-head stats, possible lineups and fantasy team predictions, get everything on the Pakistan vs New Zealand Champions Trophy 2024-25 match on our match preview.
Match Details
Match: Pakistan vs New Zealand
Tournament: ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Match No. 1
Date: 19 February 2025
Time: 2.30 pm IST
Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
How to watch the match?
Cricket fans from India can watch the opening game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 live on Star Sports TV Channel in multiple languages. Moreover, they can stream the match live on JioHotstar App and Website with a paid subscription.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Head-to-head in ODIs
Pakistan and New Zealand have faced each other 118 times in One-day international games. Pakistan have won in 63 while New Zealand have emerged victorious on 53 occasions. Three games saw no results.
Pitch Report: National Stadium, Karachi
Talking about the pitch at the National Stadium in Karachi, we can certainly guarantee you that there will be runs on offer for the batters. The bowlers, especially the fast bowlers will have to be dead accurate on most occasions to take wickets or be safe.
In the recent tri-series, South Africa posted 352 but Pakistan chased it down with Mohammed Rizwan scoring a ton.
The spinners, on the other hand, have gone for fewer runs of 5.11 runs per over but have taken less wickets as well.
So, we can guess there will be a huge task for the bowlers to get it right at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Team News and Recent Form: Pakistan
The hosts Pakistan are coming off a tri-series against the South African and New Zealand teams, where they lost in the final against the Kiwis in Karachi. The form of their star batter Babar Azam would worry them a bit but Pakistan have always found their ways to do better in ICC events.
In the last two games between these two sides in an ICC event, Pakistan have defeated New Zealand two out of two times.
In the last five ODIs, Pakistan have won three and lost twice. So, you can not say that they are in great form as well.
Haris Rauf will be fit for the opening match of Champions Trophy. Image | Associated Press
However, they will be boosted with the presence of fast bowler Haris Rauf, who did not take any part in the tri-series after getting a side strain in the opening game against New Zealand. He was seen bowling in the nets and as per captain Mohammad Rizwan, he would be fit to feature in the opening game.
NZ won the tri-series beating Pakistan in the final. Image | PCB
No team had played more ODI games in Pakistan than New Zealand since the start of 2019. Not only that just five days before the start of ICC Champions Trophy 2025, they defeated Pakistan in the final to lift the series as well which was played which was played in Karachi.
The combination of Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell has been solid for New Zealand in the middle overs. Both spinners have found a way to keep the run flow intact and also take wickets given the opportunities. Moreover, they both can bat as well, which is always an added advantage.
Rachin Ravindra will be doubtful for the Pakistan vs New Zealand match.
However, the Kiwis will be without their premier fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears along with uncertainty hovering over Rachin Ravindra's presence after getting hit in the eye in the tri-series.
Will Young might open with Devon Conway if Ravindra is not fit enough to play. Kyle Jamieson, the replacement of Lockei Ferguson will also not be available as he is yet to reach Karachi for the match.
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (capt & wk), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
New Zealand: Rachin Ravindra/Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Will O'Rourke.
Fantasy team prediction: Pakistan vs New Zealand
Fakhar Zaman, Devon Conway, Babar Azam, Kane Williamson, Mohammad Rizwan, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf.
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